Funding approved for Preston multi-million-pound leisure complex

Plans for Preston’s multi-million-pound cinema and leisure complex have taken a significant step forward after city councillors approved a funding package. 

The new development, called ‘Animate’, will be located on the site of a former indoor market and will feature an eight-screen cinema and bowling alley, along with five new restaurants and bars, a street-food hub, a car park, and new public square.

It is claimed the scheme will bring growth and development to the city centre as well as bringing in over £7M of extra economic activity every year, while creating 125 full-time equivalent jobs.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “This is a really positive step forward in our plans to bring this exciting development to Preston. It will breathe life into the city centre and reinforce it as a premier cultural and leisure destination in Lancashire.

“It is also an important step in our Community Wealth Building agenda, as this asset will be publically owned meaning the benefits will be enjoyed by everyone in Preston.”

The announcement comes after Councillors voted to approve a Development and Funding Agreement (DFA) for the ‘Animate’ scheme which is being developed by the council in partnership with Maple Grove Developments, part of the Eric Wright Group.

Under the DFA, around £3.5M for the development will come from Preston’s £20.9M Towns Deal, a further £3.25M from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, and the remainder from Preston City Council. The land and buildings will be owned by the council and leased to the site operators.

Subject to planning permission being granted, it is anticipated that construction work on the project could begin in 2022 with the complex opening in spring 2024.